Jeff Edwards has been at the heart of the tech industry for nearly three decades, navigating the waves of disruption and transformation during his 28 years at Cisco. As a seasoned leader with deep insight into partner strategy, market dynamics, and program evolution, Jeff brings a front-row perspective on how change really happens.
Shift Happens is a quick-hit podcast that dives into the most relevant market shifts, emerging trends, and bold ideas shaping the future of business. Each episode features candid conversations with subject matter experts who share real-world insights to help listeners shift their mindset and lead with clarity.

Shift Happens Podcast

DevOps for Systems Engineers is critical, but still often misunderstood and confusing. How do I get started? Are my customers really seeing the need to incorporate these skills? We will do our best to demystify things in this session.

Episode 1 - DevOps for Infrastructure: Making it Real with Mike Younkers

Owning a small or medium business brings with it many unique challenges – from choosing which manufacturer to go with for your technology needs all the way to how to continue to grow and scale your business. The shift to hybrid work magnified to this, creating a new layer of complexity to both managing a business as well as employee satisfaction and retention. 

To sift through these challenges, and how he has successfully navigated them, today I am joined by Scott Kauffman, President of HighNoon, a full-service marketing agency located in Phoenix, AZ. Scott shares his perspective on business, technology and even provides a marketing tip for our listeners.

Small Business, Big Solutions: Building Your Business Through Technology

This is a special episode powered by the Cisco Emerging Talent Community (ETC) EMEA Chapter. Join our guest speakers, Chara Kontaxi (Director, Cisco Systems Engineering) and Paul Jordan (Vice President, Cisco US Global Enterprise), in a conversation with our host, Shaun Roberts (Principal Engineer, Cisco Customer Experience), talk about the Emerging Talent Community in Cisco, the importance of mentorship and sponsorship for a thriving career in Cisco.  
 
For questions, comments, or feedback, please email: cisco-techinsiders-podcast@cisco.com  
 
Director, Systems Engineering 
LinkedIn Profiles: 
Chara Kontaxi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charakontaxi/ 
Paul Jordan (paujorda): https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-jordan-216a36b/ 
Shaun Roberts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srobertsmba/

Cisco Tech Insiders Podcast Episode 11: How to nurture a thriving career at Cisco

We interview Distringuished Engineer Ramses Smeyers from CX Datacenter who tells us two stories. In one, dozens of RMAs are done for a UCS server and each one makes the problem a little worse. In the other, Ramses prevents ACI to be released on time because it doesn't work in his lab. We also get his feelings about the Cloudization of this world.

Tech Stories - ep 04 - 99 problems and an RMA is one

Episode 14: Let's talk SaaS Support

In the holiday special, our producer, Elizabeth Chen, anchored the episode with the host, Shaun Roberts, on the hot seat! Their chat covers 2023 reflections, including what makes any innovation an award winner, what makes Cisco the best place to work, and their holiday plans! Wishing our viewers and listeners the best in 2024! Happy Holidays!  
Note: Please email cisco-techinsiders-podcast@cisco.com for queries, suggestions, or feedback .

LinkedIn Profiles: 
Elizabeth Chen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethchen01/  
Shaun Roberts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srobertsmba/

Episode 16: A holiday special

Welcome to Line of Departure, power-packed interviews that take you on an unfiltered journey into the lives of veterans in tech who have not only served their country but have also conquered the corporate world of business and technology. In these concise conversations, we cut through the noise, and uncover the untold stories that have shaped their journey from the military to the forefront of the tech industry.  We dive into veteran-specific topics in business, dissect the latest tech news, and economic, and market trends, lessons on leadership, to civic duty and national security.  Nothing is off the table, Line of Departure is your compass in navigating the complex world of technology.
In each episode, we go beyond the surface and tell you the real story, delving into the raw and unpolished tales of personal hardship, growth, and ultimately success.  From discussing topics that uniquely impact veterans in the technology industry, to dissecting the latest tech trends, Line of Departure is your compass in navigating the complex world of tech leadership.

In the military, the term "Line of Departure" signifies the starting point of a mission, the aiming point for your journey.  Picture yourself having a cup of coffee with your future self in 5 or 10 years. What would you discuss? How did you reach that point, and where did you start? Line of Departure is thrilled to unravel the stories behind successful tech careers after military service, aiming to uncover the foundational lessons and principles underneath.

Join us on this journey as we connect with veterans in the tech industry globally, and help us creating a narrative that celebrates great people and the technology that binds them. Line of Departure is not just a podcast; it's a platform where tech leaders share their wisdom, connect with their peers, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Episode 0: Line of Departure Intro

In the inaugural episode of this podcast, hosts Eric and Ben engage in a comprehensive discussion that spans various aspects of Ben's life journey. The conversation begins with insights into Ben's upbringing and the pivotal decision to become a Navy SEAL, leading to a decade of active duty and multiple combat deployments. The focus then shifts to the challenging transition from military service to the business technology sector, exploring the nuances of career 2.0 and the experiences of life post-career transition.

Listeners gain valuable perspectives as Ben shares advice for both veterans navigating their post-military careers and organizations looking to effectively employ veterans. The episode delves deep into Ben's impactful work in Veteran Advocacy, particularly addressing mental health concerns within the veteran community. The hosts touch on topics such as the veteran psyche, the search for a sense of purpose, and the evolution of self-identity. Throughout the conversation, the audience is treated to a rich exploration of the complexities and triumphs that define the veteran experience, making for an engaging and enlightening episode.

Episode 1: Navy SEAL to Cybersecurity featuring Ben Davis

Welcome to this week's episode of Line of Departure, where Eric and Ben dive deep with Morgan Mann, from his time serving in the Marine Corps to his current role as Vice President of Transformation at Cisco.

In this episode, Morgan chats with us about his passions for the outdoors, family, national security issues, along with the challenges and opportunities he faced transitioning from the military to the private sector.

We explore how Morgan found purpose beyond the Marine Corps, navigating the tech startup world before re-affiliating with the Marines post-9/11. His multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan offer profound insights into the post-9/11 veteran experience integrating into corporate life. 

Throughout our conversation, Morgan reflects on the importance of proactive career management, highlighting the need to break free from stereotypes and carve out new paths aligned with personal values. From starting his day with rituals to prioritizing family time, Morgan shares invaluable lessons on making every moment count.

Join us as we delve into the complexities of transitioning between two highly successful careers, from the challenges we all face, to the invaluable leadership skills learned along the way. Discover how Morgan's journey epitomizes resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering commitment to make a difference.

Episode 3: Choosing Your Own Adventure, Marines to Tech Executive with Morgan Mann

Jason Marks and Gladys Kline take you behind the scenes of building the BITS podcast, sharing their journey, insights, and challenges. They set the stage for the exciting episodes to come, offering a glimpse into the intersection of business, innovation, and technology that BITS will explore.

Welcome to BITS (Business, Innovation, & Technology Show), hosted by Jason Marks, CEO of Techrategy. Join us as we delve into the spheres of business, innovation, and technology, delivering insights from industry-leading experts worldwide. Join us as we delve into the spheres of business, innovation, and technology, delivering insights from industry-leading experts worldwide. Each episode is crafted to empower tech CEOs, VARs, MSPs, SPs, sellers, account managers, and their executive teams with the insights and strategies essential for success. Whether you're at the helm of sales, guiding corporate leadership, or driving engineering initiatives, BITS serves as your ultimate resource for staying abreast of the latest trends, tackling challenges, and discovering solutions that shape the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Crafting A Podcast, With Jason Marks & Gladys Kline

What really goes into the biggest partner program evolution Cisco has launched in 20 years? In this episode of Shift Happens, host Jeff Edwards is joined by two powerhouse leaders — Elisabeth De Dobbeleer, SVP of the Cisco Partner Program, and Rhonda Henley, VP of Americas Partner Sales — to unpack what’s new, what’s working, and what’s still in motion with the Cisco 360 Partner Program.
They tackle:
• The mindset shift partners are making
• The biggest wins 
• What teams and partners can do today to set up for success
Insightful. Actionable. Real talk.
Grab your coffee or hit play on your commute — let’s make shift happen.

Shift Happens Episode 1: Unpacking the Cisco 360 Partner Program

Jason Gallo, Global VP of Partner GTM at Cisco, joins Jeff Edwards to unpack the latest evolution of the Cisco 360 Partner Program. From key truths about the new estimator tool to aligning partner investments with what’s next — this episode delivers the insights you need to lead with clarity and confidence.
Tune in and get ahead of the shift.

Shift Happens - Episode 2: A 360 degree shift

In this episode of Shift Happens, Jeff Edwards welcomes Sharon Price, Director of Strategy & Planning for Cisco’s Global Partner Organization, to unpack the new Cisco Partner Incentive (CPI) Estimator. Sharon shares how the tool helps partners model profitability, plan for growth, and align with the Cisco 360 Partner Program. Whether you're a partner or field team member, this episode gives you the insights—and the action steps—you need to start planning today. Because clarity isn’t the end goal. It’s the beginning.

Shift Happens - Episode 3: Ready, Set, Grow Unlocking Cisco's New Partner Incentive Estimator

In this episode of Shift Happens, host Jeff Edwards talks with Ken Seitz, Senior Director at Cisco, about the Cisco 360 Partner Value Index (PVI)—a game-changing shift in how Cisco recognizes and rewards partner performance. They break down how the Partner Value Incentive works, what it means for branding and profitability, and how it’s helping partners sharpen their focus in key areas like networking, security, and AI.
Ken shares insights on the move from a one-size-fits-all recognition model to a more specialized approach, why predictability matters, and how partner feedback is shaping future improvements. Plus, you'll hear exactly what steps partners can take now to make the most of their Partner Value Index scores and the Cisco 360 Partner program.
Key takeaways:
• What the Partner Value Incentive is and why it matters
• How Partner scores impact branding and profit
• Why specialization is the new strategy
• The role of partner incentives
• Actionable ways to boost your Partner Value Index score

Shift Happens-Episode 4: Cracking the Code: Cisco 360 Partner Program & the Partner Value Index

In this episode of Shift Happens, host Jeff Edwards sits down with Rakesh Samtani, Senior Director of Partner Networking Sales at Cisco, to explore how AI is transforming network management and how the Cisco 360 Partner program initiative is reshaping the partner landscape. From key innovations unveiled at Cisco LIVE to actionable insights that can drive growth and profitability, this conversation dives into the $43 billion network refresh opportunity and what it means for partners ready to lead with AI.
What you’ll learn:
• Why AI is the engine of next-gen networking
• How Cisco the 360 Partner Program is evolving the partner model
• The power of new messaging and partner engagement
• Big takeaways from Cisco Live
• How to capitalize on the $43B opportunity

Mic drop moments: 
“We are investing with our partners.”
“AI is moving GDPs.”
“It’s time to buzz the tower.”


Shift Happens -Episode 5: Cisco 360 Partner Program & AI - Unlocking the $43B Networking Opportunity

In this episode of Shift Happens, Jeff Edwards sits down with Brett Harrison, Director of Global Partner Go-To-Market Strategy for Collaboration at Cisco. From flying planes to driving partner success, Brett brings his strategic storytelling superpower to a packed conversation on the evolution of hybrid work, the AI-powered digital front door, and why interoperability is no longer optional.
They dig into:
• Market trends shaping collaboration and customer experience
• How AI is transforming contact centers and redefining brand interactions
• The power of Cisco’s 360 Partner Program and Partner Value Index
• Why “every customer is now a Cisco opportunity”
Whether you're a partner, customer, or Cisco team member—this episode delivers clear, actionable insights to help you grow your collaboration practice and elevate your brand.
👉 Tune in, take notes, and get ready to scale what sticks.


Shift Happens - Episode 7: Make it Simple, Scalable & Sticky - with Brett Harrison

The Cisco Podcast Network is a collective of podcasts from across Cisco spanning technology to culture and everything in between. Hear from Cisco customers, partners, and Cisco insiders on the topics that matter most to you. Email us with your feedback and suggestions. Discover your favorite playlists today!

Shift Happens - Episode 7: Make it Simple, Scalable & Sticky - with Brett Harrison

Cisco Podcast Network

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